ISO 16304:2026

• Abstract:

  This document provides requirements and guidance on the provision, arrangement, operation, management, use and design of port waste reception facilities (PRFs). In doing so, it provides a method for addressing ship-generated waste, cargo residues and operational residues at ports when the waste and residues are offloaded from the ship. This document addresses principles and issues on: the development of a port waste management strategy; the design and operation of PRF; PWMP development, implementation and compliance; and PRF management and accountability. This document is designed to be used by ports and terminals with existing PRFs that aim to refine their systems. It can also be used by new ports and terminals that are developing PRFs. This document has been designed to be used by ports and terminals of any size. It does not give specifics on the size or location of a PRF in each port, but provides a list of principles to be considered and applied to any size of type of port or terminal (e.g. marina, fishing port, container terminal, oil terminal, roll on/roll off terminal, cruise terminal, ferry terminal, bulk or general cargo terminal, ship repair or recycling facility, and offshore terminal). NOTE For inland ports and marinas and those ports that have entered regional arrangements for the provision of a PRF for inland operated vessels, refer to ISO 24146-2.

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 22-Oct-2026
• ICS: 13.020.99 - Other standards related to environmental protection
• Technical Committee: ISO/TC 8/SC 2 - Marine environment protection
• Drafting Committee: ISO/TC 8/SC 2 - Marine environment protection
• Current Stage: 6060 - International Standard published
• Start Date: 23-Oct-2026
• Completion Date: 23-Oct-2026

• Revises: ISO 16304:2018 - Ships and marine technology — Marine environment protection — Arrangement and management of port waste reception facilities
• Effective Date: 04-May-2024

ISO 16304:2026 is an ISO standard for arranging and managing port waste reception facilities (PRFs) at ports and terminals. It gives requirements and guidance for receiving ship-generated waste, cargo residues and operational residues so ports can plan, operate and review waste handling without creating undue delay for ships. The document is aimed at existing and new ports and terminals of any size, including a wide range of port types.

What does ISO 16304:2026 specify?

ISO 16304:2026 specifies requirements and guidance for the provision, arrangement, operation, management, use and design of PRFs. The standard focuses on how ports handle waste once it is offloaded from ships, and on the planning and control needed to make that service work in practice.

The document is organized around the full port waste management cycle:

• Clause 4 covers waste management strategy elements.
• Clause 5 covers the design and operation of PRFs.
• Clause 6 covers the Port waste management plan (PWMP).
• Clause 7 covers implementation.
• Annex A gives examples of waste streams unloaded from ships.
• Annex B gives waste conversion factors.

The scope is practical rather than site-prescriptive. ISO 16304:2026 does not specify the size or location of a PRF for each port, but it sets out principles that can be applied to many port and terminal types, including marinas, fishing ports, container terminals, oil terminals, roll on/roll off terminals, cruise terminals, ferry terminals, bulk or general cargo terminals, ship repair or recycling facilities and offshore terminals.

What are the key requirements of ISO 16304:2026?

ISO 16304:2026 requires ports to treat PRFs as part of a managed system, not just as a receiving point. The main practical message is that the facility, the plan, the contracts and the operating procedures all need to fit together.

Waste management strategy

Clause 4 identifies three main strategy elements: administrative and legal matters, technology, and infrastructure and support services. In practice, a port needs to check local legislation, choose appropriate waste-handling technology, and make sure transport, recycling, treatment and disposal routes exist outside the berth area as well as within it.

PRF design and operation

Clause 5 says the design of PRFs should reflect the types and number of ships using the port, the cargoes handled, the waste streams expected and external factors such as weather and tides. The PRF should be accessible, suitable and available without undue delay or disincentive to use. This matters because poor access or slow service can push ships to avoid proper delivery of waste.

Capacity and handling

Clause 5.5 links PRF capacity to actual or expected traffic. For existing ports, previous waste quantities can be used; for new ports or changed operations, estimates based on ship type, size, cargo, crew, passengers, voyage length and loading or unloading role are used. Clause 5.6 adds that storage, equipment and siting must match the waste streams and must not create safety, environmental or congestion problems.

Segregation, recycling and disposal

Clause 5.7 encourages segregation so that recycling and other recovery options stay open. ISO 16304:2026 places final disposal as a last option after reuse, recycling, reclamation, treatment and energy recovery have been considered. In practice, ports should document how each waste stream is managed and how segregation is maintained until final treatment.

Port waste management plan (PWMP)

Clause 6 makes the PWMP the core planning document. It should cover legislation, responsibilities, the port structure, the cost recovery system, data collection, consultation, additional documentation, review and enforcement. The PWMP must be transparent, auditable and built with stakeholder consultation, because it is the basis for day-to-day PRF operation.

Cost recovery and user information

Clause 6.6 sets principles for fees: the waste generator should pay, the service should operate on a not-for-profit basis, charges should be fair and non-discriminatory, and the fee system should be transparent. The standard also expects ports to inform users about the location of facilities, the waste accepted, the charge structure and the complaint process. That helps ships plan deliveries before arrival.

Data, review and audit

Clause 6.7 requires notification, delivery records and data management for waste types and quantities actually received. Clause 7 then requires implementation, review and periodic auditing. In practice, ports should compare expected and received waste, correct deficiencies, update the PWMP quickly when conditions change, and use audits to refine the plan and the fee structure.

What terms does ISO 16304:2026 define?

• Adequacy - the extent to which PRFs meet the needs of ships normally calling at the port without creating disincentives or undue delay, while supporting environmental protection.
• Cargo residues - remnants of cargo material left on deck or in holds after loading or unloading, with specific scope limits linked to MARPOL.
• Port waste reception facility (PRF) - a fixed, floating or mobile facility in a port or terminal that can receive ship-generated waste and cargo residues.
• Port waste management plan (PWMP) - the plan describing how waste unloaded from ships at a port will be dealt with.
• Ship-generated waste - waste, including sewage and operational waste, that is generated during the service of a ship and falls within the relevant MARPOL annexes.
• Port administration - the public or private organization or partnership responsible for operating the port.
• Port authority - the organization that manages port operations, in whole or in part.
• Quarantine waste - solid or liquid waste that needs special handling, segregation and disposal because of disease or pest risks.

Who uses ISO 16304:2026?

ISO 16304:2026 is used by ports, terminals, port authorities and port administrations that need to plan or improve waste reception services. It is relevant to both existing PRFs that are being refined and new ports or terminals that are developing PRFs.

In practice, the standard is also used by harbour masters, PRF managers, ship operators, ship masters, ship agents, waste facility providers, waste transfer providers and waste recovery or disposal providers. It is useful for government and non-government bodies involved in Port State Control, maritime administration and marine environmental protection.

The document is written for ports and terminals of any size, including marinas, fishing ports, container, oil, roll on/roll off, cruise, ferry, bulk and general cargo terminals, ship repair and recycling facilities, and offshore terminals. For inland ports and marinas with regional arrangements for inland operated vessels, the document points to ISO 24146-2.

What changed in ISO 16304:2026 from the previous edition?

ISO 16304:2026 is the third edition and it cancels and replaces ISO 16304:2018. The foreword states that it has been technically revised.

The stated main change is alignment of clause 5.4 and Annex A with revisions of MARPOL. That means the waste characteristics, waste streams and treatment descriptions have been brought into line with the current MARPOL framework used by the document.

Which standards are used with ISO 16304:2026?

ISO 16304:2026 is discussed in the context of several related documents and references:

• MARPOL - the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships, which provides the waste framework that the standard addresses.
• ISO 21070 - supports shipboard garbage segregation, which the standard treats as complementary to PRF management.
• ISO 9001 - is mentioned as a quality management framework that may be related to the PWMP.
• ISO 14001 - is mentioned as an environmental management framework that may be related to the PWMP.
• ISO 24146-2 - is the related standard for port waste reception facilities for inland navigation vessels.
• IMO MEPC.83(44) and IMO MEPC.1/Circ. 834/Rev.1 - are cited as maritime guidance documents for port reception facilities.

What does the ISO 16304:2026 document contain?

ISO 16304:2026 contains a structured set of planning and operating provisions for PRFs, including the legal, technical and administrative elements needed to run them. It also includes the planning logic for PWMP development, implementation, review and auditing.

The document includes one planning table in clause 6.3 that shows different PWMP structures for one port, multiple terminals, or linked ports. Annex A contains a table of waste streams from ships and links each stream to recommended segregation and handling approaches. Annex B contains waste conversion factors to help convert volume-based reporting into mass for disposal or reporting purposes.

The annexes are practical tools for design, operating procedures and reporting. Annex A supports waste sorting, collection and treatment decisions. Annex B supports fee calculation, data management and waste accounting.

International
Standard
ISO 16304
Third edition
Ships and marine technology —
2026-10
Marine environment protection —
Arrangement and management of
port waste reception facilities
Navires et technologie maritime — Protection de
l'environnement marin — Disposition et gestion des installations
portuaires de collecte des déchets
Reference number
© ISO 2026
All rights reserved.
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ii
Contents Page
Foreword .v
Introduction .vi
1 Scope . 1
2 Normative references . 1
3 Terms and definitions . 1
4 Waste management strategy elements . 3
4.1 General .3
4.2 Administrative and legal matters .3
4.3 Technology .4
4.4 Infrastructure and support services .4
5 Design and operation of PRFs . 4
5.1 General .4
5.2 Port characteristics .4
5.2.1 Spatial and siting requirements .4
5.2.2 Types of cargo handled within the port or by the terminal .4
5.2.3 PRF service providers .5
5.2.4 External factors .5
5.3 Types .5
5.3.1 General .5
5.3.2 Floating .5
5.3.3 Mobile .5
5.3.4 Temporary PRFs . .5
5.4 Waste characteristics .5
5.4.1 General .5
5.4.2 Other considerations .5
5.5 Design capacity .6
5.5.1 General .6
5.5.2 Existing ports .6
5.5.3 New ports or terminals .6
5.6 Waste handling capabilities .6
5.6.1 Adequacy .6
5.6.2 Accessibility and suitability .7
5.6.3 Waste handling equipment .7
5.6.4 Storage .7
5.7 Participation in segregation, recycling or disposal programs .7
5.7.1 General .7
5.7.2 Recycling capabilities . .7
5.7.3 Final disposal .7
6 Port waste management plan (PWMP) . 7
6.1 General .7
6.2 Legislation and regulatory considerations .9
6.3 Port structure and administration .9
6.4 Official responsibilities .11
6.5 Waste management . 12
6.6 Cost recovery system — financial considerations . 13
6.6.1 General . 13
6.6.2 Fee system for using a PRF . 13
6.6.3 Information for port users (ship masters, ship owners, ship agents and port/
terminal operators) . 13
6.6.4 Cost advantages of reuse, recovery and recycling .14
6.7 Data collection and monitoring .14
6.7.1 Notification .14
6.7.2 Data management . 15

iii
6.8 Pre- and ongoing consultation . 15
6.9 Additional documentation . 15
7 Implementation . .16
7.1 General .16
7.2 PWMP review .16
7.3 Periodic auditing .16
Annex A (informative) Examples of waste streams unloaded from ships . 17
Annex B (informative) Waste conversion factors .21
Bibliography .22

iv
Foreword
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This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 8, Ships and marine technology, Subcommittee
SC 2, Marine environment protection.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 16304:2018), which has been technically
revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— 5.4 and Annex A: waste characteristics and waste streams and treatment have been aligned with the
[1]
revisions of MARPOL.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/members.html.

v
Introduction
The development of adequate port waste reception facilities (PRFs) for ship-generated waste and cargo
residues is a major factor in the management of each of the shipboard waste streams covered by the
[1]
International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL ) Annexes I to VI, as amended,
[1]
excluding Annex III (packaged dangerous goods). MARPOL requires the Parties to ensure the provision
[1]
of adequate reception facilities in ports to receive these wastes. The Parties to MARPOL are required
to implement legislation to provide for PRFs. Regional and intergovernmental legislation has also been
developed. However, due to operational, ownership, geographic and legislative differences in ports, there is
a large disparity in how operations are conducted. To overcome some of the major issues, the International
Maritime Organization (IMO), through its Sub-Committee on Implementation of IMO Instruments (III)
[formerly the Sub-Committee on Flag State Implementation (FSI)] developed an action programme to tackle
the inadequacy of PRFs. Then, IMO adopted MEPC.83(44) Guidelines for Ensuring the Adequacy of Port Waste
[4]
Reception Facilities.
To obtain the most efficient management of waste and to reduce the time and resource burden in segregating
and handling waste in the ports, the concept of waste minimization has been integrated into this document
by incorporating the following principles:
— for waste generated aboard a ship:
“Prevention before recycling, before energy recovery, before disposal.”
— once the waste is offloaded ashore:
“Avoidance before reduction, before reuse, before recycling, before incineration with energy recovery,
before disposal”.
Ship owners and operators, cargo owners, and port and terminal owners and operators, along with
governments are aware of the importance of well-organized and managed waste collection, especially with
respect to health and safety on board ships and at ports and terminals. It has been acknowledged within
the IMO that standardized methodologies for waste management both on board ships and ashore at PRFs
would harmonize practices and ensure a smooth delivery of ship-generated waste and cargo residues to
[5]
shore-side facilities. ISO 21070 provides a methodology for ships to segregate their garbage, thus, port
waste reception facilities worldwide can expect a certain level of ship segregated waste and cargo residues.
[5]
However, ISO 21070 cannot work alone and requires a parallel International Standard that covers the
reception of ship-generated waste. This document assists in the planning for the provision of adequate PRFs.
[1]
Parties to MARPOL are obligated as Port States to ensure that port waste reception facilities (PRFs)
adequate to meet the needs of the ships using them without causing undue delay are provided at their ports
[1]
and terminals. MARPOL does not seek to regulate the management of ship-generated waste and cargo
residues at ports and terminals beyond the reception facility requirement. The IMO recognizes the need
to manage ship-generated waste and cargo residues at ports and terminals as part of an environmentally
sound management approach for avoiding, minimizing and eliminating pollution from ships.
In consideration of the above, this document applies to the management of ship-generated waste and cargo
[1]
residues regulated by MARPOL that are discharged at ports and terminals. It also covers principles and
issues that are expected to be considered in the development of a Port Waste Management Plan (PWMP), its
implementation and PRF operations. The operation of any PRF is governed by the principles and procedures
included in the PWMP. The procedures to operate the PRF and the development of a PWMP are closely linked
and therefore integrated into this document.

vi
International Standard ISO 16304:2026(en)
Ships and marine technology — Marine environment
protection — Arrangement and management of port waste
reception facilities
1 Scope
This document provides requirements and guidance on the provision, arrangement, operation, management,
use and design of port waste reception facilities (PRFs). In doing so, it provides a method for addressing
ship-generated waste, cargo residues and operational residues at ports when the waste and residues are
offloaded from the ship.
This document addresses principles and issues on:
— the development of a port waste management strategy;
— the design and operation of PRF;
— PWMP development, implementation and compliance; and
— PRF management and accountability.
This document is designed to be used by ports and terminals with existing PRFs that aim to refine their
systems. It can also be used by new ports and terminals that are developing PRFs. This document has been
designed to be used by ports and terminals of any size. It does not give specifics on the size or location of a
PRF in each port, but provides a list of principles to be considered and applied to any size of type of port or
terminal (e.g. marina, fishing port, container terminal, oil terminal, roll on/roll off terminal, cruise terminal,
ferry terminal, bulk or general cargo terminal, ship repair or recycling facility, and offshore terminal).
NOTE For inland ports and marinas and those ports that have entered regional arrangements for the provision of
[8]
a PRF for inland operated vessels, refer to ISO 24146-2 .
2 Normative references
There are no normative references in this document.
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https:// www .iso .org/ obp
— IEC Electropedia: available at https:// www .electropedia .org/
3.1
adequacy
quality which meets the needs of ships normally calling at the port by port waste reception facilities (PRFs)
and does not provide ships with a disincentive to use PRFs, does not causing undue delays and contributes to
the protection of the environment
[3]
Note 1 to entry: IMO MEPC.1/Circ. 834/Rev.1 , gives a general description of term “adequacy”.

3.2
cargo residues
[1]
remnants of any cargo material which are not covered by Annexes I, II, IV and VI of the MARPOL Convention
and which remain on the deck or in holds following loading or unloading, including loading and loading
excess or spillage, whether in wet or dry conditions or entrained in wash water but not including cargo dust
remaining on the deck after sweeping or dust on the external surfaces of the ship
Note 1 to entry: Dry bulk cargo residues include substances that are harmful to the marine environment (HME) with
special restrictions for discharges including HME entrained in cargo hold wash water.
3.3
energy recovery
energy reclamation from waste
3.4
hazardous waste
waste which, due to its nature, physical, chemical or infectious properties, is potentially hazardous to human
health
3.5
medical waste
solid waste that is generated in the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of human beings or animals, in
research pertaining thereto, or in the production or testing of biological materials, including but not limited
to isolation wastes, infectious agents, human blood and blood products, pathological wastes, sharps, body
parts, contaminated bedding, surgical wastes and potentially contaminated laboratory wastes and dialysis
wastes
Note 1 to entry: Medical waste is distinguished into two categories: infectious and non-infectious.
3.6
port
place of geographical area consisting of infrastructure and equipment as to permit, principally, the
reception of all types of ships, including fishing vessels and recreational craft, for the loading or unloading of
passengers, cargo, stores, equipment, fuel, fish from commercial or sport fishing, or for repairs or berthing
or other related activities
3.7
port administration
public or private organization or partnership with the responsibility for the operation of the port (3.6)
3.8
port authority
organization, either private or governmental, that manages the operations of a port (3.6), in whole or part
Note 1 to entry: Port authorities can have complete or limited jurisdiction within a geographic region.
3.9
port waste reception facility
PRF
facility operating in, or provided by, a port (3.6) or terminal (3.15) which is fixed, floating or mobile, and is
capable of receiving ship-generated waste (3.14) and cargo residues (3.2)
3.10
port waste management plan
PWMP
plan describing how to deal with waste that is unloaded from ships at a port (3.6)

3.11
quarantine waste
solid or liquid waste that requires special handling, segregation and disposal due to its potential to spread
disease, diseases, or plant and animal pests when discharged or delivered ashore
Note 1 to entry: Quarantine waste can also include food waste from galley operations and can be described as
international catering waste.
3.12
recreational craft
boat or ship (3.13) of any type regardless of means of propulsion that is intended for non-commercial sport
or leisure purposes
3.13
ship
vessel of any type whatsoever operating in the marine environment, including hydrofoil boats, air-cushion
vehicles, submersibles, floating craft, and fixed or floating platforms
Note 1 to entry: Ships can call at inland ports.
[1]
[SOURCE: MARPOL, Article 2]
3.14
ship-generated waste
waste, including sewage, and residues other than cargo residues (3.2), which are generated during the service
[1]
of a ship (3.13) and fall under the scope of Annexes I, II, IV and VI to MARPOL and operational waste as
[1]
defined in Annex V to MARPOL
3.15
terminal
specific and distinct cargo or passenger loading and unloading facility for ships (3.13)
3.16
waste recovery
recycling, reclamation or treatment of waste for reuse
4 Waste management strategy elements
4.1 General
There are three main components of waste management strategies:
— administrative and legal matters (4.2);
— technology (4.3); and
— infrastructure and support services (4.4).
4.2 Administrative and legal matters
Many states have implemented legislation, policies and national waste management strategies that govern
the management of waste received at PRFs. Such legislation should be considered when developing a port
waste management strategy, as it will assist in determining how local compliance can affect the operation of
PRFs within a port. Additionally, there can be a need for either licensing or local approvals, or both, and the
port or terminal operator should consider waste tracking and documentation.
The best possible environmental solution for waste recovery and disposal should be identified. Waste
management targets adopted by the national administration for ports and terminals within its jurisdiction
can be considered in the development of port waste management strategies. If there are no such targets,
then the port or terminal operator can consider developing them.

4.3 Technology
PRFs should use waste management technology that is current and applicable for ship-generated waste
and cargo residues expected from ships using the port or terminal. Recycling and reclamation of waste is
preferable to disposal (see 6.5). Therefore, any waste management strategy should recognize and promote
alternative methods of waste management that utilize new and emerging technologies.
4.4 Infrastructure and support services
The waste management strategy should be developed with an awareness of the infrastructure and support
services not only throughout the port or terminal, but also beyond those physical limits. Suitable waste
transport logistics, recycling facilities, treatment facilities, and if necessary, final disposal sites shall be
in place. These treatment and disposal facilities are located within the port or outside the port. Waste
management strategies should also incorporate proactive mechanisms to inform and educate those having
an interest in using the PRF.
5 Design and operation of PRFs
5.1 General
The types and number of ships normally calling at the port or terminal and the nature of operations
should be considered in the planning for the provision of a PRF. PRFs for relevant wastes shall be available
without causing undue delay to ships or imposing economic or other disincentives for their use. The port
waste management plan (PWMP) provides options for waste collection and handling. The calculated PRF
capacity and the design of the PRF provide a foundation for the PWMP. However, for those waste volumes
that can be anticipated to fluctuate widely over different periods, the provision of a PRF should be adapted
appropriately. The system designed to support and operate a PRF should consider the core components as
indicated through 5.2 to 5.7.
5.2 Port characteristics
5.2.1 Spatial and siting requirements
The location of a PRF should be “convenient” and not create a disincentive for ships to use. The location
shall be suitable and sufficient to allow easy and safe use that does not impose an undue delay upon the
ship. Siting considerations should include an awareness of the impact on other port operations as well as the
public areas surrounding the port or terminal.
Larger ports and terminals require higher capacities or more diverse capabilities. Construction of a new
port or terminal may offer greater flexibility in design as opposed to making improvements to an existing
PRF.
Regardless of the type of PRF that is chosen, the port or terminal geography and layout should be considered
as part of the design phase. The best way to collect each waste stream throughout the port or at the terminal
shall be determined. In a compact port with large berths, garbage waste disposal bins on each quay or a
direct transfer to the waste handler can be implemented. However, in other port configurations, it can be
better to collect waste by barge. If the port is lock-bound, waste can be landed upon entry or exit to the lock.
A port or terminal that is planning to increase operations in the future can see a rise in shipping waste
volumes. This can result in a need of additional PRF capability during planning activities.
5.2.2 Types of cargo handled within the port or by the terminal
[1]
Multiple MARPOL waste reception facilities can be required. Ports or terminals that receive ships with
diverse cargoes that can produce cargo residues, oily waste, and noxious liquid substance wash water can
create unique waste handling challenges.

5.2.3 PRF service providers
Companies that are licensed or otherwise certified or approved to provide waste handling services should
be identified and verified by the port administration or port authority. Effective port waste management
goes beyond the act of receiving waste from ships. Good downstream waste management supports the
intent and purpose of having a PRF.
5.2.4 External factors
Extreme weather conditions or extreme tidal cycles can make it difficult to access PRF services or hinder the
operation of traditional waste handling equipment.
5.3 Types
5.3.1 General
The type of PRF can vary between ports and terminals and is determined after assessing the needs of users
and the frequency of use.
5.3.2 Floating
The use of barges can have distinct advantages, as they are relatively mobile, typically have sufficient
capacity to service multiple ships, and can receive most wastes. Their shallow draught allows for access in
most port and terminal areas. However, sea state limitations can prevent floating reception facilities from
operating at all times. Additionally, there is an added element of risk when transferring waste to a floating
PRF, especially oily or noxious liquid mixtures, or in ports and terminals where ship traffic is heavy and
continuous in volume.
5.3.3 Mobile
Vehicle-borne PRFs offer speed and flexibility, particularly with respect to smaller ports, terminals or
marinas, as a number of ships can be serviced before the vehicle is full. However, the capacity of vehicles,
such as tank trucks and traditional garbage collection trucks can be a limiting factor when servicing large
ships. This can cause delays and increase congestion in ports and terminals. Furthermore, certain areas can
be off limits to third-party waste collection organizations due to either safety or security concerns, or both.
Also, the size of the vehicle can prohibit access to all areas of the port or terminal.
5.3.4 Temporary PRFs
Another possible option is temporary placement of containers or collection bins that are dropped off via
truck and picked up at a later date after the container/bin is full.
5.4 Waste characteristics
5.4.1 General
All types of ship-generated waste and cargo residues that will be received and handled at the port or
terminal shall be identified. Failure to consider certain waste streams can limit the services that the port
or terminal is able to provide. Wastes are offloaded by ships in many different forms, from single waste
streams such as oil, sewage or segregated waste, to mixed waste streams such as garbage. Annex A provides
further information on types of ship-generated waste and cargo residues, as well as a list of waste streams
and treatment options.
5.4.2 Other considerations
Not all waste streams are necessarily produced by every ship or offloaded in every port. Additionally, in
some circumstances it can be necessary or desirable for ships to offload waste, such as food waste and
[1]
cargo residues that can be discharged into the sea under the provisions of MARPOL but due to operations,

company policy, or other considerations, the master of the ship chooses to offload these wastes ashore.
Therefore, the PWMP should consider the following:
a) Some ports or terminals require ships to offload all, or part of, their waste prior to departure.
b) Some port or terminals treat waste from ships on international voyages differently than waste from
ships on domestic voyages (such waste can include quarantine waste, international catering waste or
food waste from galley operations).
c) Ship-generated waste and cargo residues can include hazardous waste or other wastes determined to
be harmful to the marine environment.
5.5 Design capacity
5.5.1 General
The design of a PRF should be based on the number and types of ships calling on the port. The basic PRF
capacity needed in the port or terminal, per waste stream or per ship type, can be calculated based on the
expected or most probable level of traffic in the port.
5.5.2 Existing ports
For existing ports and terminals, the level/quantities of waste received in previous years can be used
to determine PRF capacity. Additionally, if there is any anticipated change in traffic, regulation or waste
management technology, then it can be necessary to modify the initial figures.
5.5.3 New ports or terminals
When designing a new port or terminal or redesigning an existing port to handle new business, or larger or
different types of ships, a calculation of waste reception facility capacity shall be made using estimates of
the expected ship traffic. Calculations should take into consideration the number and frequency of port calls
for each type of ship and the expected wastes that are generated aboard and delivered ashore based on:
— the type and size of ship;
— cargo(es) handled (volumes or tonnes);
— the crew size, the number of passengers (if any);
— the average length of voyages for inbound ships; and
— whether the port is a loading or unloading port or a combination of both.
If no data are available for a new port, the information can be obtained from other ports with similar traffic.
[5]1)
NOTE ISO 21070:—, Annex A provides information on calculation of the expected amounts of waste.
5.6 Waste handling capabilities
5.6.1 Adequacy
A fundamental consideration is to determine the waste handling capabilities needed in order to meet the
definition of adequacy.
1) Under preparation. Stage at the time of publication ISO/FDIS 21070:2026.

5.6.2 Accessibility and suitability
Suitable PRFs for all waste streams shall be easily accessible by the ship. PRFs that are difficult to use and
poorly arranged can create a disincentive for ships to properly dispose of their waste while at the port or
terminal.
5.6.3 Waste handling equipment
There is a variety of equipment that can be used to collect, store and in some cases, treat or further process
the different waste streams collected at ports and terminals. The equipment selected should be suitable for
the type and quantity of waste.
Proper sighting at the berth of waste handling equipment should be considered. Poor siting and lack of
sufficient space for operation of equipment can raise safety concerns for ship personnel when using the PRF
equipment. It can also create a risk for discharge into the environment and possibly create a disincentive for
proper waste disposal.
5.6.4 Storage
Consideration should also be given to the period of time during which the fixed or mobile PRF can store
the ship-generated waste and cargo residues on site. This should also be taken into account in the PWMP.
Lengthy storage of waste should be avoided, as it can create stress on the supporting infrastructure and
impact the waste handling services for future ships. It can also affect the health and safety of workers and
the environment if stored waste quantities exceed storage capacities. PWMPs that do not arrange for routine
waste removal services shall ensure that waste storage receptacles of sufficient capacity and quantity are
provided. Conversely, PRFs that are serviced frequently do not necessarily require large capacity waste-
storage receptacles.
5.7 Participation in segregation, recycling or disposal programs
5.7.1 General
The provision for waste segregation can lead to increased participation in recycling programmes. For this
effort to be successful, segregated waste should remain segregated until the final treatment. Many PRFs can
be conveniently arranged to accommodate recycling and other waste management services. Additionally,
[5]
ships that implement ISO 21070 have waste segregation procedures that make operations at the PRF and
downstream waste management easier.
5.7.2 Recycling capabilities
Recycling is a process where materials, which are otherwise destined for final disposal are collected,
processed or reprocessed, and then reused. These materials all have useful chemical or physical properties
after having served their original purpose.
5.7.3 Final disposal
Final disposal of wastes should be viewed as a last option to be exercised only after alternatives have been
explored, including energy recovery from wastes, and deemed unattainable. Several options for final disposal
exist, and the benefits and drawbacks should be considered and documented in the port or terminal's waste
management strategy.
6 Port waste management plan (PWMP)
6.1 General
Ports and terminals should, at a minimum, provide PRFs for ship-generated waste and cargo residues. As
such, the PWMP takes into account the national waste management strategy and defines how and by whom

waste is collected at a port or terminal. This is necessary as waste streams received from ships calling on
ports or terminals must be dealt with in an environmentally sound manner. Developing and following such
a waste management strategy ensures that all parties involved in the generation, reception and transfer of
ship-generated waste and cargo residues conform to recognized practices and standards. This serves to
protect the health and quality of the port users, public and the environment.
There are five key elements that should be considered in a PWMP. They are:
a) development of PWMP;
b) publication of PWMP;
c) implementation of PWMP;
d) enforcement of delivery of ship-generated waste and cargo residues by competent authorities; and
e) monitoring the plan to ensure that all parties, including ships and facility providers adhere to the plan,
the plan is and remains fit for use and the reception facilities are adequate.
The development of a PWMP is the planning stage for the eventual provision of a PRF and is the most crucial
and time-consuming part of the process. First, the port should consider what waste reception services they
should provide and exactly how they can provide them. It is necessary for PWMP to manage the different
waste streams generated on board a ship in an efficient and environmentally sound manner that does
not cause undue delay to ships or disincentives to shipping. A PWMP can be developed in-house, or by a
consultant. The PWMP shall be transparent, auditable and include provisions for consultation with the
stakeholders. It should identify the major principles of waste minimization, management and disposal, while
ensuring the health, safety and security concerns of the port or terminal user. The PWMP should also result
in the development of a formal plan that is consulted upon, approved (if necessary), and used as the basis for
developing the day-to-day manual for the management and operation of the PRF.
The PWMP should include relevant information on the following key areas outlining pertinent procedures
and management measures, as appropriate:
— analysis of the relevant regulations;
— the waste management structure into which the PWMP fits;
— the official responsibilities of the port owners/operators and other relevant parties, and the different
governmental administrations involved in controlling the management of ship-generated waste and
cargo residues;
— geographical and administrative scope of the PWMP;
— official responsibilities within the management and operation of the PRF within the port;
— an assessment of the need for the PRF (see 5.1);
— a description of the cost recovery system;
— procedures for how to report and take action on alleged inadequacies of PRF;
— explanation of reporting and notification procedures for ship-generated waste and cargo residues;
— a description of the method for recording the amounts of wastes received;
— procedures for ongoing consultations with organizations representing the port or terminal users, waste
contractors, and other stakeholders, including a description of how the essential information is made
available to the public (e.g. shipping agents and other relevant stakeholders);
— review, refinement (corrective and preventive) actions and auditing; and
— enforcement measures.
Each plan should take into account the specific nature of the port or terminal and its users. This is then
outlined in a formal plan which is implemented after consultation with all port stakeholders.
6.2 Legislation and regulatory considerations
Before any PWMP or PRF can be developed or established, port or terminal administrators should undertake
an analysis of the international, regional, national and local regul
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